SANDGROUNDERS Netball Club suffered their first defeat of the season in a top of the table clash with Incredibles.

In freezing conditions they got the tough match they were expecting as the two promotion-chasers battled for pride and points.

Despite losing out 38-31 Sandgrounders remain top of the league, if only by goal difference, writes Lucy Harrison.

Sandgrounders had a squad of nine to choose from for this encounter with Ruth Cliff, Cathleen Casterton and Emily Nicklin starting in defence.

Tasha Harrison began at centre with Abbie Upton in attack and Lucy Harrison and Kate Moore shooting.

Sandgrounders started brightly and used their possession well as they sought to dominate their opponents.

However, Incredibles fought back impressively and took a 17-11 lead into the half-time break.

Sandgrounders had a difficult task on their hands to overturn the seven point deficit and were forced to make changes at the interval with Rachel Dillon coming into the attack and Abi Tapia into defence.

Sandgrounders started the second-half as they did the first, and closed the gap on the Incredibles to just three goals.

But unforced errors from Sandgrounders allowed the Incredibles to pull away once more.

Incredibles eventually won the close encounter 38-31, resulting in the Sandgrounders’ first loss of the season.

Sandgrounders, despite this defeat, remain on top of the table on goal difference and are still on course for promotion.

This week’s player-of-the-match was Emily Nicklin. Her defensive skills and determination ensured Sandgrounders were always in the game.